The economic reports last week delivered mixed news on the state of the economy. The Retail Sales number came back at 0.8%, higher than expected, while the Building Permits rose to its highest level in four years. Consumer Sentiment also managed to improve and came in higher than expected. Finally, inflation at the consumer level [...]

Last week, the Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke gave his semi-annual testimony in front of the House Financial Services Committee. He provided his view of the economy, the labor market and housing marketing, essentially providing the same message we have heard before — conditions remain sluggish, uneven and fragile. However, the biggest news was that he [...]

This week’s market news begins at the gas pump which has not been very friendly as of late. However there was a glimmer of good news on Friday where Consumer Sentiment rose to 75.3, which is the best it’s been since about one year ago. As oil prices rise, consumers are becoming more cautious with their [...]

This past Wednesday we heard the message regarding interest rates come directly from Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben S. Bernanke at a news conference in Washington (see video). Listening to his message tells us the Fed thinks the economy will just trudge along, and accommodative monetary policy will be required to keep the economy growing [...]

Amidst all the uncertainty in our world that rings in this new year, the only constant we can count on is — change. And we certainly have experienced lots of changes in 2011. Whatever lies ahead for this year, 2012 begins with home loan rates at historic lows, which makes it a great time to [...]